What are psychological effects of hypothermia?

Physical and Cognitive Decline

Hypothermia has a profound impact on the human body, leading to a gradual decline in physical and cognitive function. When body temperatures drop below 95°F (35°C), the brain begins to deteriorate, causing confusion, disorientation, and impaired judgment. At 90°F (32°C), the body starts to lose its ability to regulate body temperature, and at 80°F (27°C), the heart rate slows, and blood pressure drops.

Hallucinations and Loss of Coordination

As hypothermia progresses, people may experience vivid hallucinations, hearing voices, or seeing things that aren’t there. This can lead to irrational behavior, such as removing clothing in cold temperatures or attempting to swim in icy water. The loss of coordination and balance can cause people to stumble, fall, or become disoriented, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Prevention and Treatment

To prevent hypothermia, it’s essential to stay warm, dry, and active. In cold weather, wear layers of breathable clothing, including a base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer. Stay dry by changing into dry clothes if you get wet, and avoid sitting or lying down in cold temperatures. If you suspect someone has hypothermia, call for medical help immediately and use the “WARMTH” method to treat: Wrap the person in a warm blanket, Apply heat packs or a warm heating pad, Remove wet clothing and replace with dry clothing, Mobilize the person by gently moving them to a warm location, and Treat any underlying medical conditions.

In extreme cases, where medical help is not available, use the “Stay, Find, Start” method to stay warm: Stay in a sheltered location, Find dry and warm bedding, Start a fire or use a portable heating device to stay warm.